Ronda Chervin received a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Fordham University and an MA in Religious Studies from Notre Dame Apostolic Institute. A widow, mother, and grandmother, she currently teaches philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. Write to her at chervinronda@gmail.com.

What you will read now is part of a series of 100 spiritual challenges. Each blog can be viewed separately, but for maximum benefit a reader needs to start with the introductory blog of November 18, 2011, and then continue step by step. Day One begins on Sunday, November 20, 2011.[ Click here for 100 STEPS ]

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Dr. Ronda’s examples: I have friends who insist on keeping Sunday as a day of rest. But, foolish I resists! As I understand it the commandment of the Sabbath is interpreted in Catholic practice as avoiding manual labor and work for pay and even that rule can be dispensed for reasons of economic necessity. Just the same, it is very good for me to drop the intellectual work and spend Sunday after Mass in quiet, pleasant, friendly activities. This day I did drop the work and spent time with 2 new friends including my first trip to the Pacific Ocean. The ocean is my favorite created being. Seeing it always expands my soul. God seemed to second the motion of my day of freedom of spirit and lightness by the sight of the orb of the sun changing into what looks like a huge Eucharistic host with brilliant pink clouds around it, as is often seen at the alleged apparition at Medjugorje. My friend, who had never been to Medjugorje, also saw the same vision.

Your examples: (If this day doesn’t fall on a Sunday, pick the next possible relatively free day to complete this exercise).

My prayer: Jesus, as I finish this week of my spiritual marathon, step by step, I renounce the spirit of clutter of possessions, of schemes, of distractions and busyness and lay it at Your feet, dear Jesus. Give me, instead, a true spirit of simplicity so that more of me may be open to love.

Read more blog entries by Dr. Ronda Chervin by visiting RondaView. Dr. Ronda Chervin has many free e-books and audios on her website, rondachervin.com. If you go to her website and read or listen and then want to correspond with her she will be available. Her schedule does not permit, however, responding to comments on the Blog, though she enjoys reading them. Dr. Ronda’s newest project is spiritualityrunningtogod.com.

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